JD(U) releases first list for K'taka Assembly elections

Bangalore, Apr 18 (UNI) The Janata Dal (United) today came out with the first list of 24 candidates for the three-phased Assembly elections in Karnataka next month, unhappy at the 'inadequate' number of seats allotted by its NDA ally BJP.

The list released by JD(U) General Secretary Shambhu Shrivastwa, included state party chief B Somashekhar and former legislator J Madhuswamy. Five seats were allotted to Scheduled Castes, four to Scheduled Tribes, three to Other Backward Classes and Minorities.

The second and final list would be announced within two days, he said in a release here.

The JD(U) had rejected the BJP's offer of a mere five seats, against its original demand of 24 seats.

During the last elections in 2004, JD(U), which was given 25 seats, had won five. However, except Madhuswamy, four others had deserted the party.

Mr Somashekhar would contest from Malavalli (SC), Mr Madhuswamy from Chikkanayakanahalli, former minister C Veeranna (Madhugiri) and former MP Dr V Venkatesh from KGF (SC), the release added.

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